Fence-wire stretcher



(No Model.)

V. M. EVANS. FENCE WIRE STRBTGHER.

Patented Feb. 1, 1898.

awm'ntoz wzzzwemzizy K a Harm e1 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

VALENTINE M. EVANS, OF BROOKFIELD, MISSOURI.

FENCE-WIRE STRETCHERI SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 598,413, dated February 1, 1898.

Application filed October 14, 1897.

clear, and exact description of the same, reference being had to the annexed drawings, making a part of this specification, and to the letters of reference marked thereon.

The present invention has for its object to provide a simple and effective device for tight-. ening the wires of fences, whereby a perfect stretching and tightening of the wire is attained, after which it is secured to the fencepost.

The invention consists in a device constructed substantially as shown in the drawings and hereinafter described and claimed.

Figure 1 of the drawings is a perspective view of the device'constructed in accordance with my invention and showing it in position against the fence-post and in engagement with the wire previous to stretching the same; Fig. 2, a top plan view on an enlarged scale. Fig. 3 is a side elevation showing the device in use as a carpet stretcher.

In the accompanying drawings, A represents a portion of a fence-post, to which the fence-wire Bis connected in the usual manner.

The device consists of the slotted bodyG, which terminates at one end in handles D and at its opposite end in a shank E, which shank is provided with a pivoted and serrated foot F. To the outer sidesof the body 0 are pivoted the ends of notched arms G, which notches are adapted to engage with the fencewire, as shown in Fig. l of the drawings, the foot F pressing against the fence-post to form a fulcrum.

A brace-lever H, which is pivoted to the body 0 of the device, has a saddle a at its outer end which fits the convexity of the post A and prevents lateral movement of the lever when in'contact therewith.

To adapt the device for use as a carpetstretcher, as shown in Fig. 3 of the drawings, the under side of the saddle ais provided with a spur b to enter the floor, and to readily remove the notched arms G when the device is to be used asa carpet-stretcher the arms are Serial No. 655,121. (No model.)

Q pivotally connected to the body 0 by means of a removable bolt 0, with which engages a nut (1 upon the screw-threaded end thereof.

As a fence-wire stretcher the saddle or upon,

the end of the brace-lever H is considered of importance, as the convexity or curve in the saddle, in conjunction with the convexity in the fence-post, prevents the slightest movement in a lateral or sidewise direction of said saddle, and consequently there are no pins or spurs necessary to force into the wood to hold the outer end of the brace-lever from moving laterally. A further advantage is in the widening of the body 0 with relation to the shank E, so that the notched arms G may be made perfectly straight, with no elbows or bends which would tend to weaken the arms and render them less efiect-ive.

The double handles D are considered of importance in a device of this character, where great leverage power is required, as a more powerful and uniform pressure may be obtainedand controlled much more effectively than with a single handle.

It should be understood that after the slack in the fence-wire is taken up a second and binding wire is used of sufficient length to reach around the post and with its ends twisted around the fence-wire, and any suitable tool or device may be used to twist the ends of the binding wire around the-fencewire as found most practical, this being left entirely with the person who is using my improved device in taking up the slack of the fence-wire and need not be further described or illustrated.

Having now fully described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-= 1. A fence-wire stretcher consisting of a slotted body terminating at one end in double handles and at its opposite end in a shank of less width than the body, a serrated foot pivoted to the shank, pivoted notched arms to engage with the fence-wire, and a brace-lever pivoted to the slottedbody, substantially as and for the purpose set forth. V

2. A slotted body with double handles and a shank at its opposite ends, a pivoted foot upon the end of the shank, removable notched arms connected to the slotted body, and a brace lever pivoted to the slotted body and provided at its outer end with a spur, substantially as and for the purpose described.

3. The slotted body terminating at its opposite ends in double handles and a shank, a serrated foot pivoted to the end of the shank, pivoted notched arms to engage With the fence:wire, and a pivoted brace-lever having uponits free end a curved saddle to adapt itself to the convexity of the fence-post, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

4. A fence-Wire stretcher consisting of a slotted body with shank and double handles integral therewith, said shank being of less width than the body, a serrated foot pivoted to the shank, notched arms removably se- I 5 cured to the slotted body, and a brace-lever pivoted to said body and having at its free end a curved saddle with a spur upon its unv VALENTINE M. EVANS. Witnesses:

J. Q. ABER, ERNEST PEER. 

